DREAMS of footballing stardom have been dashed for a Stockton lad after his main sponsor - his grandfather - died.

Michael Arthur, 18, won a scholarship to teach football in North Carolina, in the USA, and was being sponsored by his number one fan, grandfather Frank Taylor.

But Mr Taylor, 67, died from a chest complaint, and now Michael has had to put his dream on hold.

A former pupil of Norton School, Michael needs sponsorship of £7,900 to take up the scholarship in August.

“I got a scholarship at the North Carolina Weslyan College,” said Michael, a referee at Soccer Sensations. “My grandad was going to help me. He didn’t follow football but he always supported me.”

So far Michael has managed to save £1,000 from his wages.

He also plays left-back and midfield at Guisborough Town Football Club and has been getting some help from manager Pete Waller.

Meanwhile, his colleagues at Soccer Sensations are organising a tournament called American Dream to aid the cause. For details on how to enter a team or to sponsor Michael, contact Soccer Sensations on 01642 606666.